Science ministry names August Korea Engineer Award winners

The science ministry said it had selected LG Electronics researcher Choi Seok-ho and JMJ Korea chief executive Choi Yun-hwa as the August recipients of the Korea Engineer Award for advances in cooling fans and power-semiconductor packaging.

Choi Seok-ho, a senior researcher at LG Electronics' ES Research Institute, was recognized for applying humpback-whale fin tubercles and scallop-shell patterns to air-conditioning fans. The design suppresses air separation and slip, raising maximum airflow by 20 percent and cutting power consumption by 20 percent.

"Based on innovative flow technology, we will continue to enhance the competitiveness of various air-conditioning products and strive to expand the use of Korean products in the emerging data-center cooling market," Choi said.

The ministry said JMJ Korea has registered or applied for more than 200 domestic and overseas patents related to power-semiconductor core materials and packaging technology. The company supplied related technology to TI, UTAC, Amkor and ON Semiconductor, reaching $10 million in exports in 2025.

Choi Yun-hwa was selected for commercializing a power-semiconductor packaging technology that connects chips and substrates with copper clips to enhance heat dissipation. The technology lowered electrical resistivity by 60 percent and increased thermal conductivity by 50 percent compared with existing products.